Ryan's Time

By Les Harrison

Years after the death of Valentine Frankland, his youngest son Ryan feels the need to follow in his father's footsteps. Just as he wish to become a federal agent, his family, and friends, along with many of his father's friends tried to dissuade Ryan from his decision to become a government agent the same as his father. But Ryan is determined to

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookTrail Publishing
• Release date: Aug 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781637671795

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Copyright © 2022 by Les Harrison.

ISBN-978-1-63767-178-8 (Paperback)

ISBN-978-1-63767-179-5 (eBook)

LCCN: 2021907077

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Summary

Years after the death of Valentine Frankland, his youngest son Ryan feels the need to follow in his father’s footsteps. Just as he expected he faced much opposition to his wish to become a federal agent, his family, and friends, along with many of his father’s friends tried to dissuade Ryan from his decision to become a government agent the same as his father. But Ryan is determined to follow his dad and become a government agent. After much arguing and shouting, Ryan succeeds in joining the agency where his father had worked. The training is hard, but he is more than a match for anything they can throw at him. Finally, he is rewarded with a trip to Italy where he will learn from a man who had been taught by his father. The challenges he must now face are much more demanding and a whole lot more dangerous than anything he has ever faced before. All his life he has been told that he is just like his dad. Now he will discover if he is genuinely like the legend that was Valentine Frankland, he must now find out if he has what it takes to make this time his time...to make it Ryans Time.

The Decision

On the days they visit the cemetery gardens they come as a family, together, but there are some days when Ryan likes to visit alone, today is one of those days. The morning is bright and clear, it was warm and calm, and there was no breeze. This handsome young man is alone in the cemetery gardens, he is seated cross-legged by an angel statue, it is the monument that marks the final resting place of his father, it is where his father’s ashes had been scattered. Although it is not obvious while he is seated the young man is tall, about six feet two inches, he has fair hair and light blue eyes. His handsome face looks sad, but also sort of happy at the same time. He is looking at the name engraved on the statue. The name of the person on the monument is Valentine Frankland. The young man reaches out his hand and touches the name that is engraved there. He traces the letters of the name with his fingertip, and with gentleness, he speaks aloud.

***

Hi Dad, he said. He didn’t look around to see if anybody was near enough to him to hear him, he didn’t feel self-conscious about sitting here talking to his dad, and he didn’t care if anyone heard him. But as it happened there was no one around to hear him. I know you never encouraged any of us to follow in your footsteps and go into law enforcement, or into doing the things you did after you left the agency. Although you never told any of us about the life you lived before you met mom, I know some of the things you had to do were bad. But you never said that we shouldn’t follow in your footsteps, you probably thought that there was no way any of us would want to do that, but you did train us, to do things many people would think impossible, so I thought why should I waste what you taught us, what you taught me. I know that mom isn’t happy about me wanting to join the agency and continuing doing the things that you did, she has already tried to talk me out of it, she said that I should talk to Uncle Dex, so I asked him out to dinner, I said I needed his advice, when I told him what I wanted, he told me that I should think seriously about what I thought I wanted, he said I should remember what happened to you. I got angry and reminded him that it was one of his men, his team who shot you. Who caused your death. Ryan shook his head. Uncle Dex got a little angry with me, and harsh words were spoken. I am sorry about the things I said, but I was angry as well. I guess I had thought he would just say. Of course, what a great idea, welcome aboard. Ryan chuckled softly. I’ll see Uncle Dex later and apologize for upsetting him, and for making him angry. But I wish more than anything that I could get your blessing, get your advice. Uncle Dex keeps telling me to call him Thomes, but I cannot seem to manage that. Ryan once more reached out his hand and touched the monument where his father’s name was carved, again he traced each letter with his fingertip. Okay dad I guess I’d better go, mom, wants me to be home for lunch." There was a sudden breeze that touched the back of his neck, he looked around quickly, he could have sworn that someone had touched him, he was sure that he heard a voice, his dad’s voice in his head.

Dad, is that you?

There was a sound like a chuckle, it was a sound like his dad used to make when he was amused and trying to hide it. Then he heard the voice; his dad’s voice again, it was his father’s voice he was sure of it. Take care son, I know that you will be fine, you were always the best. Always remember that I love you. Then it was gone, he was gone.

Ryan looked back at the monument, his eyes were bright with tears, a single tear spilled from his eye and ran down his cheek. I love you Dad, I love you, and I miss you so much, every day. He smiled. I promise I’ll be careful.

***

Ryan left the cemetery and made his way home, he felt a little better, a little lighter. When he arrived home, he went through the front door and walked along the hall into the dining room, seated at the dinner table was his mother, Susanne. Dexter and Lilly, the twins were also sitting at the table. Dexter and Lilly are his older brother and sister, Lilly has Melissa, her three-year-old daughter sitting on her knee. She was called Missy for short. It was Ryan who had first begun calling her Missy, he was always saying I will Missy, Missy, miss you when you’re gone. And because of that, she became Missy. They all looked at him, Ryan smiled back at them, he bent and kissed his mother’s cheek.

Susanne had changed little over the years, despite having three children she had kept her figure. Her hair was still the same strawberry blond it had always been, she had a few laughter lines by her eyes but that was about all. Dexter was very much like his father in looks, he was tall, about six feet with brown hair and an athletic build. Lilly had grown into a beautiful young woman very much like her mother, both in looks and mannerisms. She also had inherited the same strawberry blond hair.

***

Hi mom, He said, he looked at Dexter and Lilly, And it is great to see the both of you. Did uncle Dex give you the day off or something? He said to Dexter.

Dexter held out his hand and Ryan took it. He shook his head and laughed. No day off, but mom invited me for lunch, and you know I never turn down mom’s cooking, so here I am.

Yes, here you are.

Lilly stood and kissed Ryan on the cheek. Hi, little brother. It is good to see you as well. We need to talk to you.

I should have known that mom would bring the two of you into this, Ryan said.

Susanne reached out and took hold of her youngest son’s hands. Ryan, she said. It’s not what you think. Come on sit down.

Ryan let go of his mother’s hands and sat on a chair, as soon as he was seated, Missy jumped down from Lilly’s knee and toddled to Ryan, she held up her arms to be picked up. Ryan smiled; he could not help it. He lifted her onto his knee, she stood on him and gave him a hug and a big sloppy kiss.

Thank you, Ryan said. I think I needed that.

Missy, who looked a lot like her mother and grandmother smiled up at him and nodded. She spoke slowly, concentrating on making sure she said all the words correctly.

My mommy says that you are a nutter, but that we love you anyway. I love you, Uncle Ryan, don’t go away please.

Thank you for that, I think, Ryan said. He looked around at his mother and siblings, he was smiling, but he had tears streaming down his cheeks. He tried to speak but his throat was locked up and he just made a croaking noise. Missy looked up at Ryan again, then once more she stood and kissed each of his cheeks.

When I fall and get hurted my mommy always kisses my hurt away, do you feel better now? Missy asked him. Her pretty little face looked quite serious.

Ryan hugged Missy and kissed her button nose, when he did this it made her laugh, she was laughing now.

That tickles, she said, still giggling.

Yes, it’s supposed to. But I feel much better now, thank you, Ryan said smiling.

Lilly stood up and said to Missy. Grandma and I are going to get lunch ready; would you like to come and help us?

Missy jumped down, she looked up at Ryan her little face was stern, and she said. I’m going to help Mommy and Grandma get lunch ready, you just sit there and behave while I’m gone, okay?

They all laughed at the serious look on her little face.

Okay, Ryan said, with a straight face. I promise that I will be a good boy and wait here.

Missy nodded, she took hold of her mother and grandmother’s hands and skipped off to the kitchen between them. Once the boys were alone Dexter looked at Ryan.

***

Now baby brother, would you mind telling me just what the fuck you are playing at?

Ryan looked back at Dexter for a moment then said. I am not playing at anything. I should have known that mom would call you and Lilly to try to put pressure on me when I said I was going to ask to join the agency and follow what dad did before he met mom?"

Do you even know what dad did before he married mom? Dexter asked sharply.

No not exactly, I don’t think even mom knows just what he did, but I have an idea, just like you do. All we were ever told was that he worked in Europe fighting terrorism.

Dexter sighed and nodded. Yes okay, but please just tell me why you want to do the same?

Ryan shrugged. I can’t say exactly why, it is just a feeling, but it is a strong feeling, I can’t explain it any better than that. But I could ask you why you do what you do?

I happen to like what I do. I’m learning a lot from Melanie; forensic science is remarkably interesting.

Ryan nodded. Yes, I suppose it is, but it’s not for me. But what I meant was did you feel that was what you wanted to do, what you were made to do, that it was something you wanted more than anything else in the world.

Dexter thought about that for a moment. I have never thought about it exactly like that, but I suppose I would have to say yes it was like that. But before you rush into this have you thought about talking to Grandpa Doc, he knew dad the best, he raised him as his son. I am willing to bet that he could tell you a lot more about dad, and what he did, also Melanie, they were tight, like brother and sister. Then if you still want to go ahead with this crazy idea you can always talk to Uncle Dex.

Ryan snorted laughter. Didn’t mom tell you? I’ve talked to Uncle Dex, I asked him out to dinner and asked him to tell me about dad, what he did before he met mom, and to help me get a job as an agent, working for him. Then I would have the chance to move to what dad did. When I told him what I wanted he got angry. He said I should think long and hard about the things I thought I wanted. We ended the evening by arguing and him walking out on me. I will be going to see him later to apologize for the things I said, but I know he does not want me to join the agency, and I also know that he will never tell me what I want to know.

Dexter was quiet for a moment, then said. Whenever I see Uncle Dex he always tries to get me to call him Thomes. But I just can’t seem to do it.

I know what you mean, he says the same to me, but I can’t do it either.

Both boys laughed. Then as if Susanne had been waiting for this moment, she, Lilly, and Missy came back into the room carrying trays of food.

***

Sounds like the two of you are having a fine time together, Susanne said.

We were just talking about Uncle Dex, about how he always tries to get us to call him Thomes, Dexter said.

I know what you mean, she said. It took me a while for me to stop calling him sir or boss.

Yes, of course. I had forgotten that you worked for Uncle Dex, Ryan turned to his sister, and said. Okay, now that mom has tried to talk me out of following what dad did before he married her, and Dex has done his best to do the same, Ryan said, turning to face Lilly who had picked Missy up and was holding her close. Ryan stood and moved toward her, Missy struggled in her mother’s arms and held out her arms to Ryan, he took the child and she sat in the crook of his arm, there was a big smile on that angelic-looking little face; a face that looked so much like her mothers.

So, what do you have to say? Ryan asked her.

Lilly reached out and touched Missy’s cheek. She loves her uncle Ryan, don’t you sweetheart. Missy giggled.

Come on Lilly, you must have something you want to say. Mom called you and Dex to help her dissuade me from what I want to do.

You know how much we all love you, don’t you? She didn’t wait for him to answer, she carried on. Dad never told us about the things he did before he married mom, even when we asked him. It was his way of protecting us from the horrors that he had to live with. We don’t even know if he told mom about that part of his life before his way he met her, but we do know that he regretted a lot of what he did. There were only a few people who knew about dad’s past, Grandpa knew him the best, but Melanie knew some of the things dad did. but Uncle Dex and auntie Trena knew for sure, they knew him the longest, except for Grandpa Doc who was like a father to him. He found him in his barn almost dead and raised him as his son. Mom told me that you had spoken to Uncle Dex and that it didn’t go very well, did it?

Ryan laughed. You could put it that way. We both got angry and said things that would have been better left unsaid. Uncle Dex walked out on me. I’m going to see him later to apologize for the things I said.

That is good, but do you honestly think that if dad regretted what he did that he would want you to follow him, to make; I won’t say make the same mistakes, but to do the things he did, the things he wished that he hadn’t done.

Ryan thought back to what had happened at the cemetery. I think he would say go ahead, just be careful.

Lilly threw up her hands. You’re impossible, she said. I know that people say you look like mom, and you do, but you are so much like dad, you could be him. When you don’t want to do something, you are stubborn just like dad, and that look you get when someone says something you don’t like, that is just like dad as well, but you are not dad. She had begun to cry, Missy looked at her mother and began to cry along with her and held her arms out to her mother.

Ryan handed Missy back to Lilly and then put his arms around them.

See, Lilly said. This is just what dad would have done.

Ryan smiled and kissed them both. If I am as much like dad as you say, then I should be okay following what he did.

Susanne stood and took her son’s hands. Sit down please, she said.

Ryan sat at the table, and Lilly sat next to him. Once more Missy climbed onto Ryan’s knee.

Susanne smiled at them. She certainly loves her uncle Ryan, she said. She looked at Ryan. Lilly is right, your father never told me about the things he did, but I know that he did regret a lot of the things he did. And before you say anything I’m not saying this to try to dissuade you from following in your father’s footsteps, Now your dad didn’t say much about the things he did before we met, and I must admit I honestly didn’t want to know, but Thomes, or uncle Dex if you prefer and your father had a big falling out when they were young, and they didn’t speak for a long time because of the things Val was going to do, the things he was doing. But when Val was called back home and we met; Val changed, he became softer, more caring. That is not as bad as it sounds, I don’t mean that he never cared about anything or anyone before he met me that would be silly, he did care, of course, he cared. But working all over Europe, chasing terrorists, he had decided not to let people get close to him. He never said this, but after what Doc told me it seemed that Val decided that if he didn’t love anyone, or let anyone love him, then his enemies could never hurt them or use them as a hostage to get to him. So, he built a wall around himself, to keep everyone away, but then we met, and we fell in love.

Lilly put her hands together as if in prayer and sighed. Love at first sight, that is so romantic

It didn’t feel that way at first. Susanne smiled. It felt as though I had to work extremely hard to get through to him, to get him to accept the fact that I loved him. There are a few people who know this, and for several reasons, they never told anyone. I didn’t know, at first, but even when I found out it made no difference, not to me they were not together anymore, and that was all that mattered.

Mom you’re rambling, who knew what, about who? Lilly asked.

Sorry, didn’t I say, I thought I did, But—

Mom, you’re doing it again.

What I meant was that no one thought to tell me that Val had been married before, you see I was Val’s second wife.

The three of them looked at their mother with open mouths.

Dad was married before he met you? Lilly asked. She sounded amazed. Neither of you ever said anything about that. Did you ever meet her? What was she like? Was she mean to dad? Lilly asked breathlessly.

The two boys just looked, they nodded in dumb agreement with what Lilly had said. What happened? Dexter asked.

Susanne smiled as she remembered Doc telling her about Val’s life. Yes, he had been married before we met. And no, I never met her, from what Doc told me we looked a lot like each other, he said we could have been sisters.

Dexter, Ryan, and Lilly looked at each other. Is that why he fell in love with you? Lilly asked before either of the boys could think about asking the question.

Susanne thought about it for a few minutes. I don’t think so, at first looking like his first wife as I did might have been what attracted him to me initially, but then we got to know each other. We have told you all about how Doc found your dad in his barn half dead, and how he raised him. The part we never told you was that when your dad recovered Doc talked him into going back to school where he made some friends, one of them was Trena, another was Thomes. Once he got to know Thomes he met Thomes’s younger sister, her name was Juliet. Val and Juliet hated each other at first sight. Even though they said they hated each other they got married.

Uncle Dex has a sister? Dexter asked, he sounded shocked. He has never mentioned her.

If they hated each other, why did they get married? Ryan asked sounding puzzled.

Oh, baby brother, Lilly said laughing. We will explain all about life and love later.

What is that supposed to mean? Ryan asked sounding a little put-out.

Susanne smiled at